Page 47 of Take a Moment

‘How was that doing him a favour?’

‘Because who would willingly take on someone in my situation? Dom verbalised what everyone else must think. Why would anyone knowingly sign up for a relationship with someone who’s already broken – at this age? And for whom they would eventually have to become the main carer. Who, Sash? Tell me who.’ I can feel my eyes start to sting with emotion, so I look away quickly to hide it.

Sasha seems genuinely troubled by my monologue. It’s clear that she wants to tell me that I’m wrong, and that it doesn’t merit a second thought. But the thing about Sasha is that shereallycan’t lie. And I’ve got her in a headlock (metaphorically speaking).

‘So, there you go.’ I shrug and return to picking at the thread on my top. ‘I did him a favour. He’s an active guy. Second time I met him, he got on the train at the Lake District after completing a three-peak challenge – that’s a thing, in case you didn’t know.’

‘I’ve heard the term before.’

‘Someone like Matt needs a woman who’ll join him on that kind of adventure, not hold him back.’

‘Matt. That’s a nice name.’ Sasha links arms with me and guides me towards a large wall-mounted infographic.

‘It is. And?’

‘I don’t know. It’s a name that makes me think of a kind, genuine person. Someone who’d care more for others than himself. Who’d perhaps be a bit hurt if he knew why you gave him the cold shoulder.’

‘Are you trying to guilt me on this?’

‘No,’ she replies in a tone that makes it clear to me that’s exactly her aim. ‘Just giving poor Matt the benefit of the doubt. You’re right, Lex. A lot of people wouldn’t take on the situation you described. Butpeopleare different. Perhaps somepeoplewouldn’t see it like that at all. Matt might be one of them.’

I snort with laughter. ‘Think you’ve gotten a bit wrapped up in the romance of that film we watched last night.’

‘No, I haven’t. I’ve already agreed with you that most men wouldn’t take your situation on. But you don’t want most men, Lex. You want one that’s amazing. What are you going to do otherwise? Spend the rest of your life alone? Never date again?’

‘That was kind of the plan.’ I give her a sheepish look.

‘Well it’s a daft plan. Sorry. But it is.’

‘If it were you, what would you do?’

She considers my question. ‘I obviously can’t say for sure, but I’d like to think I’d give Matt the benefit of the doubt. Maybe go on a few dates and see what he’s like before sharing my situation. Then if he ditched me because I’m not a perfect specimen, I’d be hurt, but I’d know he wasn’t the right one.’

‘When did you start talking so much sense?’

Sasha nudges me playfully. ‘Since I dated half of the men in my local area and realised that most of them are totally self-absorbed or a complete waste of space. If I met someone that had even the slightest bit of potential, I’d be on his trail like a sniffer dog.’

‘You realise that makes you sound like a crazy stalker?’

‘Ha ha. You know what I mean. I’m just saying, Lex. What if you wake up from this understandable but illogical viewpoint several months from now and the only guy who might have fit the bill isn’t available any more – because some other sensible woman has snapped him up?’

‘Appealing to my competitive side now, are you?’ I chuckle.

‘Did it work?’

‘A little bit. OK, say I agree to follow your play on things. What if I don’t bump into him again?’

‘You said he was part of the Friday night after-work crowd. It’s Friday today. Let’s go back to the same bar. Start there.’

‘What are the chances he’ll be there?’ I give her a doubtful look.

‘If he’s not, then you’ll have to hope you see him again when you’re out with your workmates. But it’s worth a try. I could do with a night out. See if I can meet a nice Brummie lad for myself. That is, if you’re up to it?’

‘I’m up to it. OK, let’s do it. But to be clear, this is just about me being more open-minded, nothing more.’

‘Great.’ Sasha looks super pleased with herself for bringing me round. ‘Shall we head to the guided tour?’

Chapter 17

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